Even though the CX-5 crossover was Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in 2016 with 112,235 units sold, the Japanese automaker still decided to completely redesign the CX-5, giving the 2017 model a quieter interior, a new base engine and reworked exterior design.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 crossover (MSRP $24,045) weighs approximately 100 pounds more than the model it replaces. Much of this added weight comes from the extensive use of sound-deadening materials throughout the cabin, which help alleviate noise levels inside the best-selling crossover. To accomplish this task, engineers reorganized the position of speakers and also added perforations to the optional leather seats, all in the name of making the cabin quieter and more comfortable.

On top of being more hushed than ever, the interior of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 comes generously equipped with the latest comfort and tech features. Even the entry-level Sport trim comes standard with a pushbutton starter, black cloth-upholstered seats and Smart City Brake Support, the latter of which uses a windshield mounted laser to reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision. If the laser detects that a collision is imminent, it can automatically apply maximum brake power and reduce the output of the engine, with the aim of lessening the severity of a potential collision.

The Mazda CX-5 also gets a new standard engine for the 2017 model year. While the 2016 CX-5 came standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, neither of those are available with the 2017 CX-5. Instead the redesigned CX-5 crossover comes straight from the factory with a larger 2.5-liter, SKYACTIV-G engine that’s good for 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. That engine is paired with a six-speed, SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels on the base model. Drivers also have the option of upgrading to Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV, all-wheel drive system.

Not to be outdone, the exterior of the 2017 CX-5 has also been refreshed, now boasting a sleeker and sportier stance over the previous model. Mazda enthusiasts will quickly notice that the 2017 CX-5 features thinner headlights, an innovative grille design and more chrome accents, giving the 2017 CX-5 a sophisticated appearance. In addition, the brand’s distinctive three-layer paint process provides the illusion that the CX-5 is in continuous motion, even when it’s sitting still at a red light, thus exemplifying Mazda’s KODO: “Soul of Motion” design language.

While the 2017 Mazda CX-5 has yet to undergo safety tests for either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the similarly designed 2016 CX-5 was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2016. What’s more, the 2017 CX-5 is offered with the latest safety technologies like Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear-Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist and the aforementioned Smart City Brake Support system.

Mazda began shipping the redesigned 2017 CX-5 crossover to U.S. dealerships in March. While the entry-level model carries a starting MSRP of $24,045, higher-level trims can surpass the $30,000 mark, depending on the options you select with your new Mazda CX-5.

If you’d like to take a closer look at the 2017 Mazda CX-5, simply call or visit our dealership to schedule a test drive.